Spurs aim to break a three-match losing streak, while City seeks to avoid a three-game winless run in the top-flight for the first time since 2017. After spending three weeks at the top of the Premier League, defending champions Man City slipped to second place behind Arsenal following back-to-back draws against Chelsea and Liverpool.
Their 23-game winning streak at the Etihad was halted by Liverpool, who secured a 1-1 draw with a late goal from Trent Alexander-Arnold. However, City bounced back in the Champions League, overcoming a two-goal deficit against RB Leipzig to secure top spot in Group G.
While Guardiola's side has shown vulnerability with only five clean sheets in 20 games this season, their exceptional goal-scoring proficiency has led them to victory in 11 out of 15 matches where they conceded.
Facing Spurs, a team they have struggled against since Guardiola's arrival in 2016, City must maintain high standards in their upcoming matches against Tottenham and Aston Villa to stay close to league leaders Arsenal.
Guardiola's record against Tottenham at the Etihad is promising, with nine wins, two draws, and only two losses in their last 13 league meetings. Meanwhile, Tottenham had a strong start to the season but faced a setback in November with three consecutive defeats against Chelsea, Wolves, and Aston Villa. Despite slipping out of the top four, a win against City could help Spurs level points with second-placed Man City.
Although working with limited resources, manager Ange Postecoglou finds reasons for optimism. Tottenham has won five of their last seven Premier League meetings with City, including a dramatic 3-2 victory in February last year with a 95th-minute winner from Harry Kane.
Spurs, alongside Brentford, are one of the only two top-flight teams to claim maximum points at the Etihad since November 2021.
INJURIES & SUSPENSION
Manchester City's midfielder Mateo Kovacic is back in full training after missing the last two games due to a thigh injury. He might be included in the matchday squad.However, Kevin De Bruyne (hamstring) remains unavailable, and Matheus Nunes (muscle) is uncertain. John Stones, who has been an unused substitute in the last two matches, will be assessed before kickoff.
The first-choice goalkeeper Ederson is expected to return to the starting lineup, replacing Stefan Ortega. Nathan Ake aims to take Josko Gvardiol's place on the left side of defense, while Kyle Walker and Ruben Dias are likely to retain their spots.
Manuel Akanji could continue in a hybrid midfield role alongside Rodri, but changes might occur further up the pitch, with Alvarez and Jeremy Doku pushing for recalls over Rico Lewis and Jack Grealish.
Turning to Tottenham, their injury list is extensive, including Rodrigo Bentancur (ankle), James Maddison (ankle), Micky van de Ven (hamstring), Richarlison (pelvic), Manor Solomon (knee), Ivan Perisic (knee), Ryan Sessegnon (thigh), Ashley Phillips (ankle), Alfie Whiteman (ankle), and Pape Matar Sarr (muscle).
Cristian Romero will serve the final game of his three-match ban, while Yves Bissouma is set to return from suspension and likely start in the center-midfield alongside either Lo Celso or Pierre-Emile Hojbjerg.
Manager Ange Postecoglou might continue with Emerson Royal and Ben Davies at center-back instead of Eric Dier. Son Heung-min, who has scored most of his goals away from home this season, is expected to be supported in attack by Brennan Johnson, Bryan Gil, and Dejan Kulusevski, the latter having scored in his last two visits to the Etihad.
POSSIBLE LINE UPS
Manchester City possible starting lineup:Ederson; Walker, Dias, Ake; Akanji, Rodri; Foden, Alvarez, Bernardo, Doku; Haaland
Tottenham Hotspur possible starting lineup:
Vicario; Porro, Emerson, Davies, Udogie; Bissouma, Lo Celso; Johnson, Kulusevski, Gil; Son
EXPERT PREDICTION
Manchester City 2-1 Tottenham Hotspurs
Despite Ange Postecoglou's commitment to maintaining a high defensive line during an injury crisis, the effectiveness of this strategy is yet to be proven. Continuing with this approach against a formidable Manchester City side could be a risky move, especially considering their impressive record of scoring 26 goals in nine home matches this season.
